Following US‑2 through wide-open spaces is guaranteed to bring new meaning to the expression “getting away from it all.”

Maine

The Pine Tree State

Following the Androscoggin River across the New Hampshire border, US-2 enters Maine at the forested eastern flank of the White Mountains.

Winding east along the river, the route passes through alternating mountain resorts and mill towns, starting at sedate Bethel and ending up 135 miles later at Bangor, once one of the wildest lumber towns in the country.

From Bangor the route veers south toward the coast, hitting the Atlantic Ocean at beautiful Acadia National Park.